Another ‘ace’ from Alas Pilipinas

MANILA, Philippines — It’s easy to doubt Philippine volleyball’s rennaisance.

But with every victory Alas Pilipinas has kept on piling up in the AVC Women’s Challenge Cup, the cloud of uncertainty has gradually dissipated and been replaced by the prevalent belief that the meteoric rise is for real.

It was in full, majestic display in the Philippines’ utter destruction of Chinese Taipei, 25-13, 25-21, 25-18, last night that completed a magnificent four-match sweep of Pool A before another overflowing crowd at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

The pristine group stage performance by the host team made it the top seed from Pool A, arranging an intriguing semis showdown with Kazakhstan, Pool B’s No. 2 seed, tomorrow.

Pool B No. 1 Vietnam clashes with Pool A No. 2 Australia. Earlier in the night, the Aussies downed their Iranian counterparts, 26-24, 25-23, 25-27, 31-29.

The country’s renaissance was evident in its notable leap in the FIVB world rankings from No. 62 days ago to No. 57 at present and possibly higher after its emphatic win over No. 46 Chinese Taipei.

While it has already surpassed its seventh-place effort in Indonesia a year ago, the country is expected to gain a lot more as it shoots for a first podium finish in the global stage since pocketing a Southeast Asian Games bronze medal 19 years ago in Manila.